Hello everyone! I'm back! I can't believe it's been about 9 months since my last update! Do people still read Fan Fiction...I have no clue but I feel like I need to finish this story. Enjoy and sorry for any grammatical errors.

Chapter 41

I wake up the next morning in the same place as yesterday, only this time Gale is gazing at me with wistful eyes.

"Hey." I utter.

"Hey." he replies back. He takes a deep breath and exhales before he continues. "I'm sorry about what I suggested yesterday. That medicine makes me say some pretty stupid things.

"I felt so guilty yesterday thinking about what you asked and what I should do. I spent so many years sacrificing myself for others. I was actually considering staying with you to keep you from the mines."

"But it wouldn't be real."

"No, but I've faked it before." my mind going back to my "relationship" with Peeta. I sit up leaning against the headboard and he matches my actions, wincing through the pain.

"I'd never want you to do that. You know I've never wanted that for you."

"It's the only way I can think to protect you."

"It's not your job to protect me." he softly tells me. "I know there are risks associated with my job. I think about them every time I go down in that elevator. I know it's hard for you. I know we've always looked out for each other, but maybe it's time we stop that now."

"How?"

"You stop trying to get me out of the mines and I will stop caring about you being with him."

"You're serious?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes. It's clear that he isn't going to harm you."

"When did you realize that?"

"After the Quell. I saw his concern for you…how much he loves you. I knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt you."

"What about all those other times you said he would?"

"I didn't have anything else to convince you to choose me."

"You say all this now…when he's gone." I say looking down.

"He'll be back." he huffs.

"What if he doesn't come back?" I ask, looking up at him. He takes my hand.

"He's coming back. There's only one thing that would keep him away." he jokes, but I don't find it funny.

"What if he is…it's been too long."

"We would have heard about it."

"I need to do something. I'm going crazy sitting around thinking on him." My mind goes to the woods.

"No." he says, as if reading my mind. "It's not safe there."

"It's never been safe."

"You shouldn't be there by yourself." he says and I know he is right.

"Ok. No woods." I agree. There is another place I could go. Somewhere I've been before. I check Gale's bandages before slipping off to Haymitch's. I'm sure there is a lot of cleaning needed to be done there. I open the door and the stench is there to welcome me. I open some windows to allow the crisp spring air to filter in. I locate Haymitch passed out on the couch and decide to start in the kitchen. After all the work I've put in here I wish he would do a little to maintain it. I start with bagging up the trash and taking it outside. Next is washing dishes followed by cleaning the counters and floors. It takes me all morning and part of the afternoon to accomplish, but I knew it would.

When I am finished, I go back to the living room. My eyes are drawn back to the photographs on the mantle. I walk up to the one of him and his girlfriend and take in their happy, smiling faces. I wonder if they would have been allowed to marry if Haymitch had played by the Capitol's rules. I'm not sure I've ever seen any victor that was married to be honest. I hear Haymitch grumbling and I turn around to look at him.

"Time to go already?" he mumbles.

"No."

"Then why'd you wake me?" he asks.

"You woke yourself up." I comment.

"And you are here because…?" he asks impatiently.

"I needed to take my mind off things." Before I can continue, I hear a knock on the door. I volunteer to answer it and shocked to find Effie, dressed head to toe in lavender.

"Katniss, how are you?" she asks beaming as gently hugs me.

"Effie, what are you doing here?" I ask as I follow her into the living room.

"You didn't tell her!" Effie gasps.

"Tell me what?"

"The mentor training. We leave tomorrow."

"I mailed you both the itinerary. Please tell me you at least glanced at it."

"No." we both say. She thrusts a copy at Haymitch and tells him to read it. Then, Effie takes my hand, pulling me toward the door.

"I'll guess I'll just have to tell you while you are getting ready."

"Ready for what?"

"Dinner tonight at the Head Peacekeeper's Mansion!" she exclaims, tapping the itinerary paper with force.

"Why?" I ask, not following her.

"Because it's tradition! The Head Peacekeeper always hosts a dinner before the victors leave for training. And there will be lot of important people there so I need you on toes!"

When I walk into my house, I find my Prep Team is waiting for me. They spend the rest of the afternoon getting me ready for the dinner. As Effie drones on about the schedule and I try to listen as best I can but she is talking so fast and my Prep Team is moving around me, preparing me for tonight.

"How's Mr. Eye Candy?" Flavius asks after Effie has finished talking.

"Not good… mining accident." I tell him.

"His face?" he questions me with concern.

"Unscathed." I reply. He lets out the breath he's been holding. I continue. "He has some pretty bad gashes. Do you have any of that cream?" He checks his kit and pulls out a small jar.

"Could you? He's in the guest bedroom." I ask. He nods his head eagerly and leaves the room. I giggle. Hopefully Gale isn't too surprised when Flavius shows up to put it on him. Flavius returns a couple of minutes later with a big smile on his face.

"Thank you."

"Any time. Does he need anything else? Massage? Bed bath?" he inquires. I laugh to myself thinking how much Gale would kill me if I let Flavius give him a bed bath.

"I think he's ok." I say with a smile.

By 5 o'clock, they have me ready. I look in the mirror, hoping I don't look too made up. I breathe a sigh of relief. They have seemed to stick to the aesthetic that Cinna established for me. My hair is up. My makeup is mostly earth tones however tonight they've put me in red lipstick. I'm wearing a fitted navy blue gown that shows off my curves but doesn't restrict my movements. Effie hand me a small purse and we walk downstairs. I visit Gale while Effie goes to get Haymitch.

"Wow." he marvels while staring at me.

"I'm having dinner tonight at Thread's." I tell him, trying to hide my nervousness.

"You'll be fine." he says taking me hand. "By the way, your friend with cream…" he trails off giving me a raised brow.

"I'm sorry. It was the only way I could get him to part with it." I say with a chuckle.

"I think he put some on my abs just so he could get a feel."

"I'm sorry." I say, still laughing. "You're lucky it was just that. He wanted to know if you were in need of a bed bath—"

"—If I as much see that guy with a sponge." he cuts me off.

"Don't worry, I told him not to."

"Will you come say goodnight so I know you got back in one piece."

"Yes." I say, kissing his cheek before leaving.

I walk to the car, where Effie and Haymitch are waiting for me. I take in the scenery as the car makes it way into Peacekeeper's Village. I've never been in this way. I've always had to take the back way by the woods. I note the houses that Merrick used to live in. At the end of the road, the largest of all the houses stands with a gate and private drive. The chauffeur exits the car and then opens for door for us. We ascend the stairs and are greeted by Head Peacekeeper Thread and his wife. It is my first time meeting his mother but I'm met his father before in less than optimal circumstances.

"Katniss Everdeen." I introduce myself giving a curtsy to show some respect, something his father hopefully appreciates.

"No need for such formalities." his mother says. She shows me inside and that's where I see him. He's ok. I want to run to him and hold him close but this is not the time or place. To his parents we are strangers.

"I want you to meet my son."

"Merrick Thread." he says before kissing my hand. I feel my heart flutter.

"Pleased to meet you." I reply.

"May I?" he asks, extending a bent arm. I nod and lock arms with him as he takes me inside.

"You look stunning." he murmurs to me.

"You look great too. This almost feels real." I comment.

"What do you mean?" he asks with a raised brow.

"Meeting your parents, walking together in public. I know it's not but at least now I can picture it." He nods in agreement. He leads me to the back of the house and at first I think he is taking me away from some private time. Instead I see groups of people conversing in the garden with drinks in their hands. A drink would be good right now. I man with a tray full of drinks passes and I pluck one from the tray. Merrick quickly takes it from my hand.

"Not until dinner." he advises me. "I know how fast you drink when you are nervous."

"Could you get me something else?"

"Yes." he says before leaving. I scan the garden looking to see who else is here. I see some higher-ranking Peacekeeper but I don't dare go talk to them. My eyes stop scanning when I see the Mayor with his wife and Madge. I owe her an apology given my recent behavior. I walk towards them and greet her parents first.

"Madge, could we have a talk?" I ask. She nods and we walk away from the crowd. "I'm sorry for sending you away all those times. I wasn't ready to be around people."

"It's ok, Katniss. You were going through a lot. Another Games…losing your fiancé."

I feel the sides of my mouth turn downwards.

"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have said that. Where are my manners?" she says with genuine concern.

"No it's fine. You are right. It was hard but I'm doing better now." I reassure her.

"I would ask Gale for updates when he'd come by. At first he told me you wouldn't see him either but then he said he was helping you."

Merrick interrupts our conversation.

"Your drink, Ms. Everdeen." he says as he hands it to me. I thank him. I don't know what it is but he's made it look like pink cocktail that the other ladies are drinking.

"Anything for you Miss Undersee?"

"I'll take a glass of champagne." Merrick nods and leaves us.

"How do you know him?" I ask.

"Our families have dinner together every once and while." she informs me. We are interrupted by a chiming sound and we see everyone start to head inside. Merrick returns with Madge's champagne and escorts us both inside. We enter the dining room, which has a table almost as long as my old house and is set with fine china. I notice the name cards and am a little disappointed that we cannot sit next to each other. My smile returns when I see him sit across from the table from me. His mother sits on one side of me with Haymitch on the other.

Merrick's father welcomes the guests with a speech. I am surprised when he even praises me despite my past behavior, which most of the people here are unaware of. He then wishes us well on our journey to the Capitol and people raise their champagne glasses. I pick mine up and clink with the people around me before taking a sip. As the bubbles slide down my throat, I'm reminded of the time Merrick brought me a bottle in District 2. I remember the quick effect if had on me and remind myself to sip slowly. Salads are served and conversation follows.

"Your story is inspiring." his mother says to me. I can see the sincerity in her eyes, showing me where Merrick gets it from.

"Thank you." I reply. "I had a lot of help along the way."

"You saved your sister's life." she adds. I noticed the pain in her eyes, like she has a story of her own to tell. Before I can ask, she quickly changes her tone. "Merrick was quite taken by your Games. I couldn't pull him away from the television those weeks you were in the Arena."

"I was taking notes." he says with a charming smile.

"Merrick was a top recruit at the academy…would have made a fine victor in the Quell. Of course he never got the chance." his father brags. If only he knew that Merrick had no intention of volunteering for the Games.

"I'm sorry to have taken that away from you." I apologize with a slight smirk.

"I'll get over it eventually. Not so sure about this one." he says as his tilts his head towards his father.

"It's just a waste of talent, that's all." he defends himself. "The academy wasn't ready to part with him, though. Offered him a training job on his 18th birthday."

"Is that hard to get?" I inquire.

"Almost unheard of." his father tells me.

"So why did you go the Peacekeeping route?'

"I've always had a soft spot for District 12." he says with a wink.

"Merrick spent much of his childhood here." his mother informs me and I smile back at him, enjoying the fact that no one knows our secret. The conversation continues through dinner. All I can think about is wanting to make plans with Merrick to meet up after all of this is over. Before dessert arrives, I ask where the restroom is. Merrick offers to show me, making a comment about the confusing number of doors in the hallway. Once we are out of view, he takes my hand and leads me up the staircase to one of the bedrooms. He locks the door and then turns around, holding me close to him as his lip graze mine.

"Wait!" I interject as pull away. I can see the worry in his eyes, as if he's afraid he's done something wrong. "My lipstick." Merrick lets out a laugh as he presses his forehead to mine.

"You of all people are afraid of messing up your lipstick." he murmurs.

"No I'm afraid of getting it on you. The last thing I need are rumors spreading about us before I leave for the Capitol."

"I wish I could go with you."

"Me too. You'll come over tonight?" I ask with hopeful eyes as I look into his.

"Of course."

"Good." I say as I let out a sigh. His lips find mine again for a slow but brief kiss. "Merrick." I reprimand him.

"Those red lips are calling my name." he comments. I turn on the light and inspect his lips for any traces of my lipstick. I rub my thumb over one spot to make sure it's not from me. When I'm satisfied, I bring my eyes back to mine and find his gazing deeply into mine.

"We should get back."

"Not yet." he says nuzzling his face next to mine. "It's been too long, Katniss." he mentions as his fingertips graze my hips. 'It has.' I silently agree. In the past 8 months we've shared maybe a handful of kisses…nothing more intimate than that. My own thoughts distract me from his actions and before I know it, his lips are on my neck.

"Merrick!" I gasp. He looks at me with guilt. "Later." I promise him. He nods his head. I open the door and the first to exit into the hallway. He follows. We are quiet as we descend the stairs, with him walking a few steps behind me. I think about our time apart and wonder if he's been with anyone else. He was in District 2 for 6 months…that's a long time to go with being kissed or touched. I know I didn't make it that long. I'm sure there were plenty of girls in his District that wouldn't mind doing those things to him.

During dessert, I'm quiet, listening to the conversation. I notice Merrick doesn't say much either, instead moving his dessert around the plate. He looks deep in thought or maybe he's upset with me. What was I supposed to do let him have his way with me above a room full of people?

I take my foot and tap his from under the table.

'You ok?' I mouth to him with concern. He grins and nods his head. I wish I could talk to him to make sure he really is. Soon the conversation come to a close and it is time to go home. Merrick joins me to escort me to my car.

"I'll see you later." I whisper.

"Looking forward to it." he briefly adds. I thank his parents and say my goodbyes before entering the car that takes me back to Victor's Village, blocking out Effie's critique of the night as we travel back. Once home, I go to the guest room to let Gale know I returned home safely. The light is on but I find that he is sleeping.

"Gale" I whisper, nudging his arm.

"You're back." he says with a groggy smile.

"Yes I am." I reply as I sit on the edge of the bed.

"How did it go?"

"Better than I thought it would." I then pause before I say the next part. "Merrick was there."

"Of course he was." he sneers.

"Hey, none of those snarky comments."

"'He coming over tonight?"

"Yes." He has a sour look on his face. "What is it?"

"Maybe I wanted to spend some time with you before you're shipped off to the Capitol. I have a bad feeling about it."

"You always say that before I leave."

"You always come back worse for wear." he mentions.

"Well this time is different. I'll be learning how to bring one of our tributes back alive…maybe change our District's reputation."

"I think you've already done that. Two consecutive Games."

"Maybe I could make it more…three or four or five."

"You sound optimistic."

"Your brothers and my sister could be sent in. If they are, I need to make sure they come back home." I inform him. His features are sullen as if he had forgotten that. "Maybe you could take them into the woods while I'm gone…start teaching them things. I can help out when I get back."

"Ok." Gale mumbles.

"Has anyone checked your wounds tonight?"

"No."

"Here…let me." I say as start to remove the bandages. A low knocking sound interrupts the silence between us. I look in direction of the sound. "I'll be right back." I say before exiting the room. I hurry to the back door and find Merrick there, waiting for me. I let him in and before I can close the door his lips are on mine. I hate to interrupt him but there is something I need to do. I slowly break away from him.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"There's something I have to do first." I tell him.

"What is it?"

"Gale's bandages need changing."

"Why do you have to do it?" he says sounding a little annoyed.

"Everyone else is asleep. Does this really bother you?" I ask when his expression. He nods. "You know it's not like that with him and me anymore. It's over."

"It's not you I'm worried about."

"Then come with me."

"Really?" he says with in disbelief.

"Yes really." I say, taking his hand and leading him towards the guest room.

"Katniss, I really don't have to." he says, now uncomfortable.

"It's better than having you stand out here, thinking up scenarios about what is happening." I tell him as I lead him in the room. Gale is in the same spot, waiting for me.

"Hi Gale." Merrick greets him.

"Hi." he responds. I resume what I had previously started, carefully removing the bandages from his abdomen. The cream has vastly improved the wound. I lower my head slightly to get a better look at the cuts that still remain. I look up at Gale to ask him something and I see him smirking in Merrick's direction.

"Stop that!" I say lightly slapping his cheek. I can hear Merrick snicker from the corner. "You too." I reprimand him. I quickly locate the cream and apply some more where needed. "Can't we all just get along." I whisper. I leave the bandage off since the cream has been doing its job. I then move to his arm and do the same. When I'm finished I discard the bandages and leave without saying goodbye.

In the hallway, I sit on a bench, hunched over with my face in my hands. I'm so tired of the two of them acting like this. I hear footsteps approaching me.

"He wants to see you." I hear Merrick say. I lift my head and see Merrick crouched in front of me.

"Why?" I ask.

"I don't know." he says.

"Should I?" He nods. I let out a sigh and then return to the guest room. Gale remains in the same position I left him. He pats the spot next to him. I shake my head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…it's like I can't help it. It's going to take some time to get used to you being with him."

"The last thing I need is added stress before I leave for the Capitol. You know that." I tell him as my eyes tear up. I can't stay in this room any longer.

"Katniss I'm sorry." he apologizes as I walk out the room. I walk back to Merrick and bury my face into the side of his neck. His arms wrap around me and hold me close.

"This is not how I wanted this night to go." I mutter.

"How did you want it to go?" he quietly asks.

"I wanted it to be the opposite of tonight. Just us…no fighting." I tell him.

"We could still turn it around." he mentions before lightly kissing my lips.

"How?" I whisper.

"Erase all the bad stuff."

"How?" I ask again. He ends our embrace and exits out the back door. Seconds later I hear and knock and I cannot resist the urge to smile. I walk to the door and let him in. He pulls a move almost identical to earlier, kissing me as he closes the door. I back up a little, bringing him with me until my back is resting against the wall. His body presses against mine as he deepens the kiss. His hands slide down the silky sides of my dress until they rest on my hips.

"Finally alone." he whispers in my ear.

"Mmm-hmm." I agree. I snake my hands around the back of his neck to bring his lips back to mine. His lips turn upward to a grin and his hand moves between me and the wall. I feel his hand on my zipper.

"Not here." I stop him.

"Why not?" he asks curiously.

"We could get caught."

"So?"

"I wouldn't want anyone in this house catching us." I point out.

"You're right. Let go somewhere a little more private." he says with a smile, leading me to the staircase up to my room.

If you read this, please review, at least to tell me you are still interested in this story. I'm also thinking about starting another story if there is still interest in Hunger Games fan fiction. Have a good evening!